The Kansas City Chiefs are a very frugally built team, despite public perception. Which players are the best values, in both the short-term and long-term?
It was not long ago the Kansas City Chiefs made NFL history by extending quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Since Mahomes inked a contract worth more than a half-billion dollars, the narrative surrounding Kansas City has been one of limited cap space. While Chiefs general manager Brett Veach does have to concoct some cap wizardry at times, Mahomes’ contract has not hindered Kansas City’s championship aspirations. However, current contracts have made the Chiefs a fiscally-responsible team. No better example exists than the team’s handling of wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill wanted record-setting money, or at least to be the league’s highest-paid receiver. Hill was certainly a key Chiefs player for years, but even that did not sway Veach in negotiations. The team had a contract they were comfortable with, and neither side wanted to concede to the other. So, the Chiefs traded Hill to the Miami Dolphins. Miami granted Hill his wish, and Kansas City recouped draft capital to help build a more controllable roster.
Think about it. Would Kansas City rather have a deeper roster with financial commitments spread out or most of the resources with two or three players outside of Mahomes? If the Chiefs had re-signed Hill, it would have been the former, with other position groups suffering because of it. But, since Kansas City traded Hill, they were able to add young, controllable talent to several position groups.
While no rookies will appear on this list, any rookie contributor is of great value. A good or great rookie’s performative market value can easily exceed the amount they make. This is an essential part of the team-building process, with every choice maybe being a major difference-maker.
So, who are some great values on the Chiefs roster this year?